January 29th

January 29, 2013

Both Columbia City and Columbia Township Fire Departments responded to
a fully-engulfed structure fire at 1090 S. CR 50 E. Tuesday night. Four poeple were in the home and escaped without injury. However, three pets were killed in the blaze. The cause of the fire has yet to be released. Read The Post & Mail Wednesday for more coverage.

January 29, 2013

Columbia City police are searching for a missing K9, Stryker, and asking for the public's help.

The six-year-old Dutch Shepherd, reportedly escaped a kennel at his handler's house in Collins Tuesday. A police officer said he spotted Stryker at approximately 2:30 p.m. near the intersection of Ind. 205 and County Road 200 North.

January 29, 2013

Columbia Cityâ€™s boys basketball team is looking to take revenge on Northrop Feb. 16, as the Eagles host the team that beat them, 63-55, in the sectional finals last season. The Bruins are 15-3 and Columbia City is 14-3. Above, Drew Benedict walks off the court after the season-ending loss to Northrop.

January 29, 2013

Editorâ€™s note: The following is the final installment of a three-part series highlighting the Whitley County Courthouse.

COLUMBIA CITY â€” Standing as a pinnacle in Whitley County, the current Courthouse has existed for 123 years.

As part of the buildingâ€™s foundation, a cornerstone, anchoring the northeast corner, was sealed Sept. 20, 1888, and inside a varied assortment of items were deposited to be uncovered at a future date.

Copies of invitations, posters, programs from the laying of the cornerstone were included.

January 29, 2013

Kassie Rife started her new job as a Columbia City dispatcher Monday. Currently Rife is training on the job for a period of four to six months, but eventually her duties will center around city police communications. Rife is from Whitley County and is the daughter of Pam Ruch and Ola Mullins. Rife said she is most looking forward to helping people in her new job. â€śThis is a very gratifying position. I am really excited for it,â€ť she said.

January 29, 2013

COLUMBIA CITY â€” A Columbia City man arrested last week on drug charges had his first appearance in court Monday.

Michael Raber, 26 arrested Thursday and charged with six counts. He was charged with two counts of dealing in methamphetamine, a Class B felony; one count of possession of methamphetamine, a Class D felony; one count of possession of precursors for the manufacture of methamphetamine, a Class D felony; maintaining a common nuisance, a Class D felony and possession of paraphernalia, a Class A misdemeanor.